How to Add Store Pickup on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Store pickup, also known as in-store or local pickup, is a fulfillment option that allows customers to place orders online and then pick them up in person at a designated store location.

This fulfillment option has gained significant popularity as more customers seek quicker and more convenient shopping experiences, particularly when purchasing locally.

Store pickup can help bridge the gap between online and offline retail, making it easier for customers to collect their orders on their schedule, avoid shipping costs, and even support local businesses.

For Shopify store owners, offering store pickup is a strategic way to meet customer expectations, reduce shipping complexities, and foster stronger connections with local customers.

Over 67% of consumers are open to local store pickup, which has made it an obligatory feature for eCommerce companies.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete, step-by-step process for setting up store pickup on your Shopify store.

We’ll walk you through everything from the initial setup to customization options, as well as provide tips to help you enhance the experience for customers.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to offer a smooth and effective store pickup experience.

This guide will also introduce ShipZip, a powerful Shopify app that goes beyond Shopify’s native capabilities by offering advanced store pickup features such as ZIP code-based rates, custom time slots, and local delivery integration.

Whether you’re new to eCommerce or looking to improve your existing Shopify store, ShipZip can help streamline the process and deliver an outstanding experience for local customers.

Let’s get started with how to add store pickup on Shopify.

What is Store Pickup on Shopify?

Store pickup on Shopify is a feature that allows customers to choose to pick up their online orders at a physical retail location rather than having the items shipped to them.

This is particularly useful for businesses with brick-and-mortar stores or multiple locations, as it gives customers a convenient option to avoid shipping costs and wait times while providing an additional way for businesses to drive foot traffic to their stores.

How Store Pickup Works on Shopify?

• Enable Store Pickup: Shopify merchants enable store pickup in their Shipping and Delivery settings. You can choose which store locations support this feature and configure settings like pickup instructions and estimated fulfillment times.
• Customer Order: A customer places an order on your online store and selects the store pickup option at checkout. If you have multiple store locations, they can choose the most convenient one.
• Store Notification: Once the order is placed, the store staff is notified automatically. The team can then prepare the order for pickup, ensuring it’s ready when the customer arrives.
• Customer Notification: The customer typically receives an email (or SMS) letting them know their order is ready for pickup. This email often includes instructions on where to go and what to bring.
• Pickup Confirmation: The customer visits the store to collect their order. Depending on your setup, you might request that they bring an ID, the order confirmation email, or a unique pickup code for verification.
• Pickup Timing: You can set pickup time windows, such as business hours or specific time slots, to ensure orders are collected during convenient hours for both customers and staff.

Benefits of Adding Store Pickup on Shopify:

Adding store pickup to your Shopify store brings multiple benefits to both the retailer and the customer.

Let’s break down some of the benefits:

• Enhanced Customer Convenience: Store pickup gives customers the flexibility to shop online at their convenience and pick up their items at a nearby store.
• Reduced Shipping Costs: By enabling store pickup, merchants can avoid shipping costs for local orders, effectively reducing operational expenses.
• Improved Customer Loyalty: Offering store pickup can build customer loyalty by providing an additional, convenient fulfillment option.
• More Foot Traffic at Your Store: Store pickup naturally drives more foot traffic to your physical location. Once customers come to collect their orders, they may decide to browse the store and make additional purchases.
• Competitive Advantage: Providing store pickup can set you apart from competitors who only offer shipping, catering to customers who prioritize flexibility and quick access to their purchases.
• Fewer Returns and Refunds: With in-store pickup, customers can check their order before leaving, reducing the likelihood of returns and refunds.
• Environmental Benefits: Opting for store pickup helps reduce your store’s carbon footprint by eliminating unnecessary delivery trips for local orders.

Why Store Pickup is a Smart Choice for Shopify Merchants:

As eCommerce continues to evolve, offering store pickup as a fulfillment option has become a strategic move for Shopify merchants.

Here’s why integrating store pickup into your business is a smart choice:

1. Increasing Demand for Flexible Fulfillment Options:

Consumers are increasingly looking for flexible fulfillment options that match their shopping preferences.

The rise of “click and collect” or “store pickup” reflects a shift in consumer behavior toward more convenience and control over their shopping experience.

As many customers want to avoid long delivery times and extra shipping costs, offering store pickup helps satisfy this demand, giving them the option to shop online while still receiving their items quickly from a nearby store.

This trend is especially strong in local shopping, as it bridges the gap between online and in-person retail.

2. Improved Customer Satisfaction:

Offering store pickup improves customer satisfaction by providing a fast and efficient way for customers to receive their orders.

They can avoid waiting for deliveries, which can sometimes be delayed, and enjoy the convenience of picking up their items on their own terms.

The ability to pick up their order when it suits them best leads to a more personalized experience, which is a key factor in improving overall customer happiness.

A satisfied customer is more likely to return, promoting long-term loyalty.

3. Opportunities for Upselling and In-Store Engagement:

Store pickup isn’t just about fulfilling an order; it’s an opportunity for in-store engagement.

When customers come to pick up their items, you can offer them personalized recommendations or showcase new arrivals, seasonal products, or sales.

This provides an excellent chance for upselling, as customers might be tempted to purchase additional items they hadn’t initially considered.

4. Reduced Cart Abandonment Rates:

Cart abandonment is a common issue in eCommerce businesses, but offering store pickup can help reduce it. Customers often abandon their carts due to high shipping costs or long delivery times.

By offering store pickup, you eliminate these barriers, providing a faster and more affordable alternative.

When customers know they can collect their items at a nearby location with no extra fees, they are more likely to follow through with their purchases, reducing abandonment rates and increasing conversions.

5. Greater Control Over Delivery:

Store pickup gives customers more control over when and how they receive their items.

Instead of waiting for home delivery, which can be subject to delays or missed delivery attempts, customers can choose a pickup time that works best for them.

This added flexibility leads to a more satisfying experience as customers can plan their pickup around their schedule, not the delivery carrier’s.

It also reduces the likelihood of issues such as damaged or misplaced shipments, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Requirements for Setting Up Store Pickup on Shopify:

Setting up store pickup on Shopify is a straightforward process, but there are a few key prerequisites you’ll need to address before you begin.

From the right Shopify plan to inventory management and preparing your physical store to optimize the pickup experience.

By understanding these foundational elements, you can ensure that your store pickup process is seamless for both you and your customers.

Shopify Plan Requirements:

To offer Store Pickup functionality on Shopify, your store must be on a Shopify plan that supports this feature.

Fortunately, this feature is available to all plans that include the Shipping and Delivery settings, but there are some important distinctions worth noting:

• Basic Shopify: Even on the most affordable plan, you can enable store pickup and set up local delivery options, making it accessible to new businesses or smaller retailers with limited budgets.
• Shopify (Standard): This plan includes all the essential features for running an online store, including store pickup, local delivery, and more advanced shipping options.
• Advanced Shopify: In addition to store pickup, the Advanced plan offers more robust analytics, which can be helpful when you’re managing multiple locations or tracking performance for pickups and local deliveries.
• Shopify Plus: For high-volume stores, Shopify Plus offers enterprise-level features and customizations, ideal if you operate large or multi-location businesses that need advanced shipping and fulfillment capabilities.

Inventory Management Considerations:

Managing your inventory effectively is crucial when offering store pickup, as customers expect to be able to pick up items that are actually in stock at your physical location.

This is where accurate inventory management becomes essential to avoid mistakes like selling out-of-stock items or creating confusion over order availability.

Key Inventory Management Practices:

1. Real-Time Inventory Syncing: Ensure your Shopify store is synced with your physical inventory so that stock levels are updated in real time. Shopify’s inventory tracking system allows you to track stock at multiple locations, ensuring that when a customer selects store pickup, the item is available for collection at the right store.

2. Assigning Inventory to Specific Locations: If you have more than one physical location, be sure to assign inventory to the right store. Shopify allows you to set up different locations within your account, so you can manage stock levels at each individual location.

Why it matters: If you have multiple store locations, it’s crucial for customers to know exactly where to pick up their orders. Inventory management apps available in the Shopify App Store help streamline operations and maintain organization across multiple locations.

3. Tracking Pickup-Only Products: If you offer products that are only available for in-store pickup (e.g., certain limited-edition items), you’ll need to set clear rules for inventory visibility to avoid confusion during the ordering process.

4. Managing Low Stock Alerts: Shopify allows you to set stock thresholds and receive low-stock notifications. Use this feature to ensure you have enough inventory to fulfill pickup orders without delays.

Pro Tip: If you operate a multi-location business, it’s crucial to designate a pickup point for each physical store location, ensuring customers know exactly where to go to retrieve their orders.

Preparing Your Physical Store for Pickup Orders:

Once you’ve set up your Shopify store pickup functionality, it’s time to prepare your physical store for the smooth collection of orders.

A well-organized, dedicated space for pickup orders will help streamline the process and ensure that both staff and customers have a positive experience.

Tips for Optimizing Your Store Pickup Setup:

1. Create a Dedicated Pickup Area: Designate a specific area in your store where customers can pick up their orders. This could be a counter or a section near the entrance. A clear, easily identifiable space will make it easier for customers to pick up their orders without disrupting other in-store shoppers.

2. Staff Training: Train your staff to handle store pickups efficiently. This includes being familiar with the pickup process, knowing how to verify orders, and handling customer questions. It’s important to maintain professionalism and help customers have a smooth, quick experience.

3. Clear Signage: Ensure that your physical store is clearly marked with pickup signage, both outside and inside. If your store has multiple entrances or sections, consider using clear directional signage to guide customers to the pickup area.

4. Provide Timely Notifications: When an order is ready for pickup, send a clear, concise notification to the customer with instructions on where to pick up their order. This helps avoid confusion and ensures that customers can get in and out of the store quickly.

5. Packaging Considerations: Have pickup-friendly packaging ready to go. Ideally, your packaging should be easy for both customers and staff to manage. Consider having pre-labeled bags or boxes that are easy to hand off to customers once they arrive.

Pro Tip: To ensure a smooth pickup process, consider offering scheduled pickup time slots so that customers can select a convenient time for them to collect their order, reducing congestion at your store.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Store Pickup on Shopify:

Setting up store pickup on Shopify is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your customers’ shopping experience.

This step-by-step guide walks you through how to activate the store pickup option in Shopify, configure settings to optimize the pickup experience, and customize notifications to keep your customers informed.

Follow these simple steps to add this valuable feature to your store.

Step #1: Accessing Shopify’s Shipping and Delivery Settings:

The first step to adding store pickup on Shopify is accessing the Shipping and Delivery settings.

This is where you’ll manage all your store’s shipping options, including local deliveries and pickup options.

How to Navigate to Shipping and Delivery Settings:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin: Start by logging into your Shopify store’s backend. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be taken to the Shopify admin dashboard.

2. Navigate to Settings: At the bottom left corner of the dashboard, you’ll find a “Settings” option. Click on it to open your store’s settings.

3. Click on Shipping and Delivery: From the list of settings options, click on “Shipping and Delivery”. This is where you can manage your shipping methods, delivery preferences, and store pickup options.

4. Locate Local Pickup: Scroll down to the “Pickup in store” section within the Shipping and Delivery settings. Here, you’ll be able to enable store pickup and configure your options for local fulfillment.

Step #2: Setting Up Local Pickup:

Now that you’ve accessed the Shipping and Delivery settings, the next step is to enable and configure the Local Pickup feature.

This allows you to specify which locations customers can pick up their orders from and customize the pickup process.

Enable Pickup in Store:

1. Click on “Set up” under Pickup in Store: In the Shipping and Delivery settings, you’ll see an option for “Pickup in store”. Click “Set up” to start the setup process.

2. Enable Pickup Option for Locations: You’ll see a list of your store locations (if you have multiple locations set up).

Note: If you haven’t set up any physical locations in Shopify yet, you will need to add your store locations by clicking on “Setting -> Locations”. You can then add a location by entering the store’s name, address, and contact details.

3. Click “Save”: After selecting the locations where pickup will be available, click “Save” to activate the store pickup option for those locations.

Step #3: Customizing Pickup Instructions:

Customizing pickup instructions is essential to providing a smooth and clear experience for your customers.

These instructions will appear at checkout, guiding customers on how to pick up their orders.

You can also customize notifications to alert customers when their orders are ready for pickup.

Adding Pickup Instructions for Customers:

1. Navigate to the Pickup in Store Settings: In the Shopify admin, under Shipping and Delivery, click on Set up next to the pickup in store section.

2. Add Custom Pickup Instructions: In the pickup instructions box, type clear and concise instructions for your customers. Make sure the instructions are specific to your store layout.

For example:

• “Orders can be picked up at our customer service desk between 10 AM – 4 PM.”
• OR you can set the default test by Shopify “Bring your confirmation email when you come to collect your order.”

3. Ensure Instructions are Simple and Clear: Avoid overly complicated or vague instructions. You want customers to feel confident when they arrive to pick up their orders.

Adjusting Pickup Notifications:

Shopify allows you to send automatic notifications to customers when their orders are ready for pickup. These notifications can include a pickup confirmation email or SMS.

• Customize the Notification Content: When an order is ready for pickup, Shopify sends a standard notification to the customer. You can edit the email template to include additional details such as pickup location, hours of operation, or instructions for collecting the order.
• Set Notification Timing: Choose when the notification will be sent (e.g., immediately when the order is ready or after a set period). Be sure to test these settings to ensure customers receive the information at the right time.

Why This Step Matters:

Clear pickup instructions and timely notifications ensure that customers know where to go and when to pick up their orders. This minimizes confusion, reduces customer wait time, and leads to a more positive experience.

Furthermore, customizing notifications allows you to set expectations for both pickup times and store procedures.

Enhancing the Store Pickup Experience with ShipZip:

When it comes to providing a seamless store pickup experience on Shopify, ShipZip is an advanced tool that takes your store’s fulfillment options beyond what’s available through Shopify’s native features.

Whether you’re looking to add flexibility to your local fulfillment, offer scheduled pickup times, or integrate local delivery seamlessly, ShipZip offers a comprehensive set of features that make store pickup more customizable and efficient.

Here’s how ShipZip enhances the store pickup experience and why it stands out in the crowded field of Shopify apps.

Introducing ShipZip: The Ultimate Solution for Adding Store Pickup to Your Store:

ShipZip is a powerful shipping rate and delivery date app for Shopify, helping store owners optimize shipping rates, delivery dates, and pickup options with precise control over shipping and delivery.

Unlike Shopify’s built-in store pickup feature, ShipZip offers more flexibility and control over shipping rates, delivery dates, and pickup locations, making it an ideal choice for merchants who want to offer a highly personalized and customer-centric experience.

With ShipZip, Shopify merchants can manage advanced features such as ZIP code-based pickup rules, custom time slots for pickups, and integrate local delivery alongside store pickup options, creating a full spectrum of local fulfillment options.

The app offers detailed control over delivery schedules, product-based shipping rules & rates, and order limits—all in one place.

Why ShipZip Matters:

The app is designed to handle complex shipping needs that Shopify’s native functions might struggle with.

Whether you’re running a local bakery, a florist shop, or a multi-location store, ShipZip makes it easier to customize shipping and pickup processes to meet your business requirements, all while enhancing customer satisfaction.

Key Features of ShipZip:

1. ZIP Code-Based Pickup Rules:

One of the standout features of ShipZip is its ability to set pickup rules based on ZIP codes. This allows store owners to fine-tune their pickup offerings depending on the customer’s location.

Whether you want to limit pickup to certain areas or offer exclusive pickup times for specific neighborhoods, ShipZip gives you full control over where and when customers can pick up their orders.

How This Benefits Your Business:

• Targeted Service: Control which regions can access store pickup and adjust rates accordingly.
• Efficient Logistics: Manage multiple locations and reduce operational complexities by applying location-based rules.
• Customization: For businesses with local delivery zones, ShipZip makes it easy to optimize pickup based on geographic boundaries, offering a seamless experience for both you and your customers.

2. Custom Time Slots for Pickups:

ShipZip allows you to set custom time slots for pickups, making the pickup process even more efficient.

By scheduling specific pickup windows, you can manage order preparation and ensure that customers don’t have to wait long for their purchases.

How Custom Time Slots Help:

• Reduced Wait Times: Customers can select a pickup time that works best for them, and your team can prepare orders accordingly, eliminating bottlenecks.
• Optimized Resources: Store employees can allocate resources more effectively by preparing orders in batches for scheduled pickups.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: By offering flexible time slots, you give customers the convenience of selecting when they want to pick up their order, enhancing their overall experience.

3. Local Delivery Integration:

ShipZip doesn’t stop at pickup options. It also integrates local delivery for businesses that want to offer both delivery and pickup services.

This integration allows customers to choose whether they want to pick up their order in-store or have it delivered directly to their door.

Key Benefits of Local Delivery Integration:

• Comprehensive Fulfillment: For customers who are unable to visit your store, you can offer local delivery right alongside pickup, giving them multiple options.
• Seamless Experience: Combine pickup and delivery into one easy-to-manage system, simplifying logistics and improving customer satisfaction.
• Flexible Delivery Options: ShipZip allows you to set delivery date cutoffs, order limits, and delivery times, which gives customers full visibility into when to expect their orders.

Why ShipZip Stands Out:

ShipZip stands out in the crowded field of Shopify apps due to its unmatched flexibility and customization options.

Here are some key reasons:

• Advanced Customization: With ShipZip, you can set pickup availability by ZIP code, offer custom time slots, and even apply multiple conditions like weight, product type, and cart value, making the app ideal for businesses with complex fulfillment needs.
• Multi-location Support: ShipZip supports multiple pickup locations, ensuring that you can serve customers from different areas with a unified system. This is especially useful for businesses with multiple physical locations or those running specialized pickup events.
• Optimized Customer Experience: The app helps you provide a seamless, customer-friendly experience by enabling customers to select their preferred pickup or delivery time and automatically sending them notifications when their order is ready for pickup or when their delivery is scheduled.
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite its advanced features, ShipZip is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for merchants with limited technical expertise. This ease of use allows you to implement the app without a steep learning curve, saving you time and effort.
• Exceptional Customer Support: ShipZip is known for its outstanding customer service, with team members available for quick resolutions and personalized support. Whether you need help setting up custom shipping rules or troubleshooting an issue, their team is responsive and knowledgeable.

Why It’s Worth It: ShipZip offers Shopify store owners an advanced level of control over their local fulfillment, enabling them to optimize pickup and delivery processes for the best customer experience.

Whether you’re a small local business or a large retailer with multiple locations, ShipZip’s flexibility and comprehensive features will help you manage your operations with ease and efficiency.

Testing the Store Pickup Functionality:

After setting up your store pickup functionality on Shopify, it’s essential to thoroughly test everything before going live.

Testing ensures that the process runs smoothly for your customers, from choosing the pickup option to receiving timely notifications.

This section walks you through placing a test order and reviewing the customer experience to confirm that everything is functioning as expected.

Place a Test Order:

The first step in ensuring your store pickup functionality is working properly is to place a test order.

This will allow you to check if the pickup option is displayed correctly, whether the pickup instructions are clear, and if any notification triggers are activated as they should be. Here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Test Order:

1. Create a Test Product: If you don’t have one, create a test product in your Shopify store for testing purposes.

2. Simulate a Customer Experience:

• Go to your store’s front end, just like a regular customer.
• Add the product to the cart.
• During checkout, select the pickup option you’ve enabled in your settings.
• Choose a pickup location and pick a pickup time (if applicable), following the options you configured through ShipZip or Shopify’s native setup.

3. Proceed with the Order:

• Complete the checkout process using a test payment method or, if you’re using Shopify’s “Bogus Gateway” (for testing), select that payment option.
• Ensure that the order status is marked as “Ready for Pickup” or something similar, based on your settings.

4. Verify the Pickup Option:

• After completing the order, check the order confirmation email (if you’ve set up email notifications) to confirm that the pickup details are clearly communicated to the customer.
• Also, check your Shopify admin dashboard to ensure the order status reflects the correct pickup information.

Why Testing is Crucial:

• Customer Experience: By simulating the customer’s experience, you can spot issues that may affect the ease of their process, such as unclear pickup instructions or missing options.
• Error Prevention: Testing helps prevent mistakes that could disrupt the customer journey, ensuring your system is free from bugs or glitches before real customers interact with it.
• Troubleshooting: If something doesn’t work as expected during the test order, it’s an opportunity to quickly resolve it before customers are impacted.

Review Customer Experience:

Once the test order is placed, it’s time to review the customer experience. You want to ensure that all elements of the store pickup process are clear, functional, and user-friendly. Here’s a checklist to help you thoroughly evaluate the experience:

Key Aspects to Review:

1. Clear Pickup Instructions:

• Check the checkout page to ensure that pickup instructions (such as where to go to collect the order or any special instructions) are easy to find and understand.
• If you’ve customized pickup instructions (via ShipZip or Shopify settings), verify that these appear where customers can clearly see them, both during checkout and in any confirmation emails.

2. Notification Triggers:

• Ensure that the notification system is working correctly. This includes pickup ready notifications and order confirmations. Customers should receive timely updates on when their order is ready for pickup.
• If you’ve set up custom pickup confirmation emails or SMS messages, check that these are sent automatically after the order is placed and updated. This ensures customers know exactly when they can come to pick up their items.

3. User Interface Clarity:

• Visit the store on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) to check the pickup option visibility and the ease of use of the entire process.
• Make sure that the pickup locations and available time slots are displayed clearly without any confusion.

4. Customer Communication:

• Check the order status page in your Shopify admin to ensure that it reflects the correct pickup information.
• If applicable, check that pickup time slots are visible and easily adjustable by the customer during checkout. Make sure the customer feels confident in the process, knowing exactly when and where to pick up their order.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, store pickup is an essential feature for modern Shopify merchants, offering substantial advantages for both businesses and customers.

For store owners, it minimizes shipping costs, reduces the risk of cart abandonment, and provides opportunities for upselling and in-store engagement.

For customers, it offers convenience, flexibility, and immediate access to their purchases without the wait associated with shipping.

Implementing store pickup not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds stronger customer relationships by delivering an optimized shopping experience tailored to their needs.

Setting up store pickup on your Shopify store is a straightforward process that yields significant benefits.

By taking advantage of Shopify’s built-in functionality and optimizing it with tools like ShipZip, you can offer a professional, flexible, and customer-friendly pickup option.

Whether you’re running a single location or managing multiple stores, store pickup can streamline your operations and provide a competitive edge in today’s eCommerce landscape.

For merchants seeking advanced customization options, ShipZip is the ultimate solution.

From ZIP code-based rules to custom pickup time slots and local delivery integration, ShipZip transforms your store pickup process into a robust, tailored system that meets the unique needs of your business and your customers.

Click here to explore ShipZip and take your store pickup and delivery functionality to the next level.

Further Reading:

• How to Set Up Custom Shipping Rates in Shopify Store
• Multi-Origin Shipping: What is it and How to Set up in Shopify?
• How to Optimize Shopify Shipping Rates for Multiple Items
• Shopify Shipping Rates for B2B Customers: The Ultimate Guide
• 7 Best Shopify Apps for Custom Shipping Rates, Delivery Dates, and Store Pickup
• Shopify Shipping Rates by Zip Code: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Choose the Best eCommerce Platform for Your Business
• Dropshipping Success Rate: Top 10 Reasons Why Your Store Fails?

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)